Friendsgiving Friendly: 4 Gut-Smart Appetizers That Don’t Sacrifice Flavor

Friendsgiving should be all about connection, comfort food, and gratitude; not bloat, brain fog, or needing to unbutton your jeans halfway through dinner.

This year, bring dishes that everyone loves and your gut will thank you for. These 4 gut-smart Friendsgiving appetizers are gluten- and dairy-free, anti-inflammatory, and designed to keep your digestion happy without sacrificing one ounce of flavor.

They prove that nourishing your body doesn’t mean missing out, it means feeling amazing while everyone else is looking for stretchy pants.

1. Sweet Potato Rounds with Avocado & Pomegranate

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 avocado, mashed

• Juice of ½ lime

• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

• Sea salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush sweet potato slices with olive oil and roast 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Top each roasted round with avocado mash and a few pomegranate seeds.

Why it works: A colorful, anti-inflammatory bite rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants — easy on digestion and beautiful on the table.

2. Balsamic Roasted Tomato Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Sea salt and pepper

• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss tomatoes with oil, balsamic, basil, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast 15–20 minutes until blistered.

3. Cool slightly, then thread onto skewers with basil leaves.

Why it works: Tomatoes and olive oil deliver lycopene and monounsaturated fats for hormone health — all the flavor, none of the dairy.

3. Roasted Carrot “Fries” with Herbed Tahini Dip

Ingredients:

• 6 large carrots, cut into fry-sized sticks

• 1 tbsp avocado oil

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Sea salt and pepper

• ¼ cup tahini

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp water

• 1 tsp dried dill or parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss carrots with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, and herbs into a creamy dip.

3. Serve warm or room temperature.

Why it works: Carrots support estrogen detox and provide prebiotic fiber; tahini adds healthy fats and minerals for adrenal support.

4. Maple-Mustard Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos

• Sea salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Whisk mustard, maple syrup, and coconut aminos.

2. Toss chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then drizzle glaze over top.

3. Bake 15–18 minutes, until cooked through.

4. Serve with toothpicks and a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

Why it works: Balanced protein, healthy fats, and flavor that stabilizes blood sugar and supports metabolism — no sugar crash here.

These appetizers deliver on the ROOT Rx and Glow Up principles — protein, fat, fiber, and color — in bite-sized form. Each ingredient supports gut balance, blood sugar stability, and hormone harmony while making your Friendsgiving spread absolutely gorgeous.

Want more information on my ROOT Rx Program or the 7-Day Glow Up? Just click the following images to learn more.

Xo,

Dr Sheena